The Fresno State men's basketball team will play its first Mountain West game on Jan. 9 at home against San Diego State. Season ticket packages start at $149 through The Bulldog Foundation by calling 559-278-7160.

Fresno State will begin its first conference schedule in the MW on Jan. 9 when the Bulldogs host San Diego State.

Aug. 13, 2012

By Stephen Trembleystrembley@csufresno.eduGoBulldogs.com

FRESNO, Calif. --- The Fresno State men's basketball team has learned its first Mountain West schedule, which features home conference games against four teams that made the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

"Our University and program are looking forward to our first season as members of the Mountain West Conference, and the challenging schedule that it will bring," head coach Rodney Terry said. "There will be high level basketball environments night in and night out, competing against some of the best teams in the country."

The Bulldogs' first-ever MW game will be on Jan. 9 when Fresno State hosts San Diego State, who was of those four MW teams that played in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

The other three NCAA Tournament MW teams from last season - Colorado State, New Mexico and UNLV - will visit the Save Mart Center during the middle part of Fresno State's conference slate.

The Rams will come to town on Jan. 26, the Rebels will visit on Feb. 6 and the Lobos will make their way to Fresno on Feb. 13.

"We're excited about the great home court atmosphere that our community and fans will create during conference games at the Save Mart Center, and are definitely aware of the tradition packed venues that we will be playing in on the road," Terry said. "It's a great time to be a part of the Mountain West Conference, and we are well aware of the tradition and success that we are now a part of."

Game times and the full television package will be announced at a later date.

The season will culminate with all nine schools playing in the 2013 Mountain West Tournament in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center from March 12-16.

With three returning starters, including rising junior guards Kevin Olekaibe (17.8 ppg) and Tyler Johnson (9.3 ppg/4.6 rpg), and junior forward Jerry Brown (8.8 ppg/5.5 rpg), Fresno State returns five letterwinners and features the addition of at least seven newcomers. Senior veterans Kevin Foster, Brad Ely and Garrett Johnson will be back for their final seasons in a Bulldog uniform.

The Bulldogs' incoming class is one of the program's top collections of talent in a single class that adds immediate depth to Terry's roster. All of the newcomers have a chance to compete for immediate playing time.

For fans looking to support Fresno State student-athlete scholarships and secure 2012-13 men's basketball season tickets, packages are available for as low as $149 through The Bulldog Foundation ($99 for Level 7 season tickets and a minimum donation of $50) by calling 559-278-7160.

"Discover Fresno State Athletics!" - The flagship radio station of the Fresno State men's basketball team is KMJ 580 AM and the Spanish Flagship is KGST-AM ESPN Deportes. Be sure to follow @RodneyTerry on Twitter for updates throughout the year about the team, recruiting trail and upcoming season. Remember to vote every day for Fresno State at www.ESPN.com/CollegeColorsDay and wear your Bulldog red on Aug. 31 for College Colors Day.